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My calamari recipe is crispy and crunchy on the outside and can either be oven-baked or deep-fried. It’s easy to make and works as an elegant appetizer or main dish.
Calamari may seem challenging to cook, but it depends on how it’s prepared and seasoned. In my recipe, the calamari is lightly breaded with panko and then baked or fried until each piece is satisfyingly crunchy, tender, and succulent. If you’ve ever been intimidated by cooking this, don’t be- I’ll show you how easy it is.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- It’s surprisingly simple! My calamari recipe is almost as easy as throwing a bag of frozen calamari in the oven. All you need to do is hand-bread the calamari, then bake them in the oven until they’re crunchy and golden!
- Basic ingredients. This beloved seafood recipe calls for the simplest ingredients you can find at well-stocked grocery stores or in your pantry.
- Multiple cooking options. I like to bake the calamari, but include options to deep fry and air fry it!
If you love crispy breaded seafood, try my tuna croquettes, salmon croquettes, coconut shrimp, or bang bang shrimp next.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“I’ve always been skeptical of cooking calamari but I followed your method for baking it and it is delicious- it’s not chewy or rubbery like some takeout places!” – Suzanne
Key Ingredients
- Fresh calamari. You can buy whole fresh calamari or tubes for this recipe. I prefer the latter as it skips the need to do any prep work with it. My local grocery store stocks it, but you can also find calamari at any fishmonger.
- Olive oil. Keeps the breading light and crispy.
- Lemon juice. To tenderize and enhance the flavor.
- Panko breadcrumbs. One of the top lessons I learned at cooking school- Panko gives a more satisfying crunch vs breadcrumbs.
- Dry spices. Salt, oregano, and black pepper are used to season the panko breading.
How to cook calamari
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1 – Soak the squid. Mix the olive oil and lemon juice in a bowl. Submerge the calamari in the marinade and let it soak for 30 minutes.
Step 2 – Bread the squid. Working in batches, toss the marinated calamari in the seasoned panko, shaking off any excess crumbs.
Step 3 – Bake. Place the breaded calamari on a baking sheet, and bake until the breading is crisp and golden brown.
Step 4- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Don’t skip the soak! Yes, I know it’s an extra step, but I find soaking the calamari for a bit makes it even tender and soft instead of chewy or rubbery.
- Bake in a single layer. Place the calamari in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure there’s room in between each piece. This way, the heat will circulate evenly around the calamari, helping it brown and crisp.
- Bake on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet. This is optional, but you can leave it out and it will still be extra crispy calamari!
- Prep the calamari ahead of time by soaking it in the marinade and coating it in the breadcrumbs. Place the breaded squid on a baking sheet, cover it with plastic wrap, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
What to serve with this
- Dipping sauces like garlic yogurt sauce, hot honey sauce, or a garlic aioli.
- Side dishes like air fryer French fries, microwave baked potato, or air fryer garlic bread.
- Simple veggies like grilled vegetables, sauteed carrots, and air fryer brussels sprouts.
Storage instructions
To store: Transfer the leftover calamari to an airtight container, separating every layer with paper towels. Store in the fridge for 1 to 2 days.
To reheat: Warm the leftovers on a baking sheet in a 350°F/175 °C oven until heated through and crispy.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. However, you must thaw the calamari tubes completely and pat them dry before breading.
More easy seafood dinners
If you tried this Calamari Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.
Crispy Calamari Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 14 ounces calamari rings and tentacles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon juices
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 220C/440F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine olive oil and lemon juice in a bowl and place the calamari in it to marinate for at least 5 minutes or up to 30 minutes.
- Mix panko bread crumbs, salt, oregano, and black pepper in a bowl. Dredge the calamari in the mixture to coat it evenly.
- Place the calamari on the lined tray and bake for 25 minutes until they turn golden brown.
- Serve immediately.
Fried calamari method
- Fill the deep fryer or a large pot with cooking oil. Once it’s heated to 350F/175C, carefully lower a small portion of the breaded calamari into the fryer and cook until crispy and golden. Drain the fried calamari on a paper-towel-lined plate, then repeat with the remaining pieces.
Such delicious calamari!!!!!
Good
Looks yummy! I’ll need to nix the panko, for gluten free reasons, so will try with ground pork rinds. Hope it works as well as your original recipe.
Could I use this oven method to make a mix of calamari and prawns too?